As the primary archery hunting season comes to its inevitable end during the peak of the annual fall colors display, myself, and thousands of hunters like me, begin our final preparations for our upcoming hunts. The primary big game rifle seasons begin in earnest on October 14 and will run periodically through the end of November. It is important to note that there are continued special hunting opportunities during this entire period where folks may see hunters out and about. Small game hunting also occurs during this time and those hunters have a different set of rules, so you may not see them decked out in various stages of blaze orange. I am not writing as a hunting authority, because clearly, I am not. Rather, I am writing as an advocate for multiple recreational uses on your public lands.

By now, most of us are well-aware that the national forest is a melting pot of users out there. Called multiple use, the concept is the foundation of what makes our public lands wonderful. We are all entitled to our opinion of what uses are appropriate, but the Rio Grande National Forest must be managed for the various uses as required by the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960. Our national forest lands are managed for outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes. We should visit these lands knowing full well that we will sometimes encounter other users or livestock out there.

During hunting seasons, especially those in October and November, there is a vast influx of users to our public lands. They are a generally well-prepared user group and are noticeable too. The hunters only have this limited amount of time to participate in this activity so they will make the best of it. So, when you are out in the woods during hunting season, be prepared to encounter fellow forest users that may be conducting or enjoying a different activity than yours.

I’d like to offer a few tips on how to make any potential meetings in the forest during hunting season more pleasant. For the non-hunter, the first thing I recommend is to know when hunting seasons are going. There are many days in the fall when the seasons are not on. If you wish to avoid the potential for meeting hunters, you can limit your activities to those days. I don’t recommend doing this. Get out and enjoy! The second tip is to wear bright colored clothing when you do venture out during a designated hunting season. Try not to choose earth tones as they tend to blend in during various light situations. Being easily visible and identifiable to others always has its benefits. Get an orange vest for your pets too. Third, choose trails and areas that are less likely to have hunters. Finally, it doesn’t hurt to make some noise when walking through the woods. This will let hunters know you are there. If you do hear shooting close by, raise your voice to make your presence known.

For hunters, my first tip is to be familiar with your hunting area. It is highly unlikely that animals will stay very long in high use areas. Second, stay alert at all times. Sounds you hear may be a hiker and not the elusive animal you are hoping for. If you hear other voices, try to respond so that they know you are in the area. Third, and the most basic of shooting rules, clearly identify your target and what is behind it, before shooting. This is sure to prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.

I have written about this every year since I’ve been in the San Luis Valley because it is important to me. I feel like there are fewer user conflicts with hunters as the years go by and I’ll do my part to continue that trend. My wish is that we will all understand and celebrate the multiple use concept by fostering positive interactions so that we can all enjoy our chosen activities without conflict.

Gregg Goodland is the Public Affairs Officer for the Rio Grande National Forest. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he promotes the responsible and safe use of our public lands.